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This paper presents an output power smoothing method by a simple coordinated control of DC-link voltage and pitch angle of a wind energy conversion system (WECS) with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The WECS adopts an AC-DC-AC converter system with voltage-source converters (VSC). The DC-link voltage command is determined according to output power fluctuations of the PMSG. The output power fluctuationsin low- and high-frequency domains are smoothed by the pitch angle control of the WECS, and the DC-link voltage control, respectively. By using the proposed method, the wind turbine blade stress is mitigated as the pitch action in high-frequency domain is reduced. In addition, the DC-link capacitor size is reduced without the charge/discharge action in low-frequency domain. A chopper circuit is used in the DC-link circuit for stable operation of the WECS under-line fault. Effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong growth figures prove that wind is now a mainstream option for new power generation. All the successful megawatt-class wind technology developments to date are results of evolutionary design efforts based on the premise that control can significantly improve energy capture and reduce dynamic loads. The main challenge is wind stochasticity that impacts both power quality and drivetrain fatigue life for a wind generating system. In the proposed paradigm, control is exercised through a self-tuning regulator (STR) that incorporates a recursive least-squares algorithm to predict the process parameters and update the states. In above rated regimes, the control strategy incorporating a pitch regulatory system aims to regulate turbine power and maintain stable, closed-loop behavior in the presence of turbulent wind inflow. The control scheme is formulated based on a detailed performability model; the wind speed is generated by a stochastic model, while the drivetrain is modeled as a multiinertia system linked by a non- ideal (Ks ≠ ∞) shaft described by nonlinear equations. Computer simulations reveal that achieving the two objectives of maximizing energy extraction and load reduction by the STR becomes more attractive relative to the classical PID controller design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of wind power generation has brought problems involving lightning strikes to the fore. Many such incidents have damaged not only the wind turbine that was actually struck but also other turbines that were not, a phenomenon that has yet to be fully explained. In this paper, the authors present a case study using a wind farm model with multiple wind turbines connected to a power system. The aim is to clarify the influence of the grounding system on surge propagation from a wind turbine that has been struck to others which have not, during a winter lightning strike. Sensitivity analyses show that the surge propagated to nearby wind turbines can sometimes become large, depending on the conditions of the grounding system, and result in the burnout of surge arresters in turbines that have not been struck, especially during winter lightning strikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]